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February 2019
Lily Cai Chinese Dance Company/Lunar New Year Celebration
WCU Campus Activities present Lily Cai Chinese Dance Company at the Bardo Arts Center Tuesday, February 5th at 7:30 pm. Elegant and captivating, the Lily Cai Chinese Dance Company melds ancient Chinese forms with modern dance in an artistic and inventive marriage of styles. Artistic Director and Choreographer Lily Cai, a former principal dancer with the Shanghai Opera House, draws on her cultural heritage to create visually-stunning dance, performed by her all-female professional troupe. The performance moves from the ancient…
Find out more »April 2019
West Fork of the Tuckasegee River Recreational Releases
Experienced paddlers from throughout the southeast turn out for the West Fork annual recreational releases. During the summer months, the Lake Glenville Dam releases whitewater into the west fork of the Tuckasegee River, creating class IV rapids over a 5.5-mile stretch. Release dates for 2019 are April 20-21, June 8, July 13, July 27, August 10 & 24. Access to the High Falls trail is directly across from the Lake Glenville sandy swim beach. WARNING: High flows and the natural environment…
Find out more »West Fork of the Tuckasegee River Recreational Releases
Experienced paddlers from throughout the southeast turn out for the West Fork annual recreational releases. During the summer months, the Lake Glenville Dam releases whitewater into the west fork of the Tuckasegee River, creating class IV rapids over a 5.5-mile stretch. Release dates for 2019 are April 20-21, June 8, July 13, July 27, August 10 & 24. Access to the High Falls trail is directly across from the Lake Glenville sandy swim beach. WARNING: High flows and the natural environment…
Find out more »June 2019
West Fork of the Tuckasegee River Recreational Releases
Experienced paddlers from throughout the southeast turn out for the West Fork annual recreational releases. During the summer months, the Lake Glenville Dam releases whitewater into the west fork of the Tuckasegee River, creating class IV rapids over a 5.5-mile stretch. Release dates for 2019 are April 20-21, June 8, July 13, July 27, August 10 & 24. Access to the High Falls trail is directly across from the Lake Glenville sandy swim beach. WARNING: High flows and the natural environment…
Find out more »July 2019
West Fork of the Tuckasegee River Recreational Releases
Experienced paddlers from throughout the southeast turn out for the West Fork annual recreational releases. During the summer months, the Lake Glenville Dam releases whitewater into the west fork of the Tuckasegee River, creating class IV rapids over a 5.5-mile stretch. Release dates for 2019 are April 20-21, June 8, July 13, July 27, August 10 & 24. Access to the High Falls trail is directly across from the Lake Glenville sandy swim beach. WARNING: High flows and the natural environment…
Find out more »Joy Garden Tour
The Joy Garden Tour is a biannual event to raise financial support for The Village Green. The tour inspires gardeners of every level of experience and enthusiasm. The Joy Garden Tour features a guest speaker event, a special patron party and garden shops with 35 vendors offering plants, garden-related merchandise, unique gifts, antiques and more. The highlight is a day spent touring select and stunning private gardens in the Cashiers area. Be sure to sign up for the mailing list or…
Find out more »West Fork of the Tuckasegee River Recreational Releases
Experienced paddlers from throughout the southeast turn out for the West Fork annual recreational releases. During the summer months, the Lake Glenville Dam releases whitewater into the west fork of the Tuckasegee River, creating class IV rapids over a 5.5-mile stretch. Release dates for 2019 are April 20-21, June 8, July 13, July 27, August 10 & 24. Access to the High Falls trail is directly across from the Lake Glenville sandy swim beach. WARNING: High flows and the natural environment…
Find out more »August 2019
West Fork of the Tuckasegee River Recreational Releases
Experienced paddlers from throughout the southeast turn out for the West Fork annual recreational releases. During the summer months, the Lake Glenville Dam releases whitewater into the west fork of the Tuckasegee River, creating class IV rapids over a 5.5-mile stretch. Release dates for 2019 are April 20-21, June 8, July 13, July 27, August 10 & 24. Access to the High Falls trail is directly across from the Lake Glenville sandy swim beach. WARNING: High flows and the natural environment…
Find out more »Resounding Change: Sonic Art and the Environment
Featuring contemporary artists who explore environmental issues through sound. The works in the exhibition, which range from a large-scale video installation to more intimate encounters with sound, ask questions about listening, ecology, empathy, climate change, and more. A visiting artist event with Raven Chacon, including a reception and gallery talk, will be hosted on Thursday, September 5 from 5-7 p.m. Above: Alexa Hatanaka, Patrick Thompson, Raven Chacon, Danny Osbourne, Sarah McNair-Landry, Eric McNair-Landry, and Erik Boomer, Gauge, 2013-2015, three-channel sound…
Find out more »Chakaia Booker: Auspicious Behavior
Experience a series of dynamic prints and Booker's signature sculptures made from repurposed tires. Her work addresses African-American identity, racial and economic inequality, and environmental concerns. A visiting artist event with Chakaia Booker will be held on Thursday, October 10 from 5-7p.m. with a reception and gallery talk, following will be a presentation from Booker in the Bardo Arts Center Performance Hall from 7-8p.m. Above: Chakaia Booker, Splitting Moment, 2007, Recycled Tires, 45 x 26 x 15 inches.
Find out more »West Fork of the Tuckasegee River Recreational Releases
Experienced paddlers from throughout the southeast turn out for the West Fork annual recreational releases. During the summer months, the Lake Glenville Dam releases whitewater into the west fork of the Tuckasegee River, creating class IV rapids over a 5.5-mile stretch. Release dates for 2019 are April 20-21, June 8, July 13, July 27, August 10 & 24. Access to the High Falls trail is directly across from the Lake Glenville sandy swim beach. WARNING: High flows and the natural environment…
Find out more »September 2019
Tour de Cashiers
Join us for the annual Tour de Cashiers Mountain Cycling Experience across scenic mountain byways of western North Carolina. This popular pedaling event attracts participants from the southeast, many returning every year for the traditional ride, and bragging rights for completing one of the most challenging rides in the nation. Runners can also participate in a 5K race the same morning. The mountainous route features stunning scenery and challenging ascents with total elevation gains of up to 10,500 feet for…
Find out more »Music on the Porch: A Celebration of Samantha Bumgarner
Join us at the Appalachian Women’s Museum in Dillsboro, North Carolina on Saturday, September 14th from Noon – 5pm for Music on the Porch: A Celebration of Samantha Bumgarner. The event will feature museum tours, multiple bands performing live on the beautiful wrap-around porch of the old Monteith Homestead (now the Appalachian Women’s Museum). We’ll be honoring the memory and music of Jackson County resident Samantha Bumgarner. In 1924 she became the first woman to record country music for a…
Find out more »Hiplet Ballerinas
Experience a multicultural dance event at WCU's Bardo Arts Center with the Hiplet Ballerinas. This must-see show fuses classical pointe technique with urban dance that is rooted in communities of color, fueled by inclusivity, modern movement, and Instagram-ready style. Come see the group that is redefining Ballet at this electric show.
Find out more »JCGS Cruise-In Car Show
The Jackson County Genealogical Society’s annual Cruise-In, set for Sunday, September 29 in Sylva, will include classic cars (1988 and older), current-day muscle cars and “rat rods” (custom creations designed to express the builder’s take on a retro junk vehicle), as well as music and food. Registration fees, T-shirt donations, food and beverage sales, and a 50-50 raffle raise money to help cover JCGS operating costs. Cars will be displayed from 2 until 4 p.m., when they depart for the…
Find out more »October 2019
Chakaia Booker: Auspicious Behavior
Experience a series of dynamic prints and Booker's signature sculptures made from repurposed tires. Her work addresses African-American identity, racial and economic inequality, and environmental concerns. A visiting artist event with Chakaia Booker will be held on Thursday, October 10 from 5-7p.m. with a reception and gallery talk, following will be a presentation from Booker in the Bardo Arts Center Performance Hall from 7-8p.m. Above: Chakaia Booker, Splitting Moment, 2007, Recycled Tires, 45 x 26 x 15 inches.
Find out more »Girls Night Out
Girls of all ages will enjoy an evening of shopping, dining, door-prizes, drawings and special discounts at the Main Street Sylva Association's Girls Night Out. This special downtown experience offers exclusive after-hour store specials and discounts along with complimentary snacks and beverages. For more information, click here.
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Spirit of the Smokies Car Show
The 21st annual Spirit of the Smokies Car Show will take place Saturday, Oct. 12, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Front Street in Dillsboro. The show is sponsored by the Sylva Rotary Club with the Smoky Mountain Cruisers and all proceeds will benefit local non-profit organizations. Last year’s event had more than 100 participants, with vehicles coming from Western North Carolina, North Georgia, and East Tennessee. Categories include: Classic Cars, Motorcycles, Special Interest Vehicles, Modified Street Machines, Trucks,…
Find out more »ETHEL + Robert Mirabal: The River
ETHEL, acclaimed adventurous string quartet + Robert Mirabal, Native American musician, instrument builder, and three-time GRAMMY® Award winner, present their next evolution of the cross-cultural concert experience. Their piece, “The River”, immerses the audiences in a flow of music, narrative, and ritual that evokes timeless Native American traditions through contemporary musical artistry.
Find out more »November 2019
An Evening With David Sedaris
New York Times best-selling author and celebrated NPR correspondent, David Sedaris, comes to the WCU Bardo Arts Center stage! With sardonic wit and incisive social critiques, David Sedaris has become one of America’s pre-eminent humor writers. The evening includes live readings of new material, Q&A, and pre/post-show book signing!
Find out more »Mountain Artisans Hard Candy Christmas
Over a hundred regional artisans have their handmade on display for sale in this folk and heritage craft show. This is a two-day show over Nov. 29 and 30, 2019. The show has everything from quilters to soap makers, basket makers, leather craftsmen, master jewelers and more. Started in 1987, the event has grown every year and now takes place at Western Carolina University's Ramsey Center in Cullowhee, North Carolina. Children under 12 free & free parking.
Find out more »December 2019
Sylva Christmas Parade
Downtown Sylva's annual Christmas parade draws hundreds to Historic Main Street for celebration, cheer and a chance to see Santa. This year's theme is "Christmas Past & Present," featuring 50+ floats usually starts at and ends at Mark Watson Park after a loop through town. The start time is 3 p.m., and the parade lasts 45 minutes to an hour. For more information please call 828-586-2719 or click here.
Find out more »A Christmas Carol
With script adaptation, direction, and a flawless performance as Scrooge, by award-winning 40 year theater veteran Scott H. Severance, this new adaptation of Dickens’ ever popular classic fills the stage with first class professional actors, lush costumes, stunning sets and puppetry, song and dance, a heavy dose of humor, and a timeless message. With the music of 26 beloved traditional carols of the season woven throughout this classic tale, A Christmas Carol is the perfect way to begin the holiday…
Find out more »Holidays at the UC
Experience the magic of the Holiday season at the annual Holidays at the UC. This family-friendly festive event will be Wednesday, Dec. 4th and Thursday, Dec. 5th. The whole family is invited for an evening of holiday activities! The festivities will take place at the AK Hinds University Center at 254 Memorial Drive, Cullowhee, NC from 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Activities starting at $1 such as a photo with Santa and Holiday Mini Golf. You can also Build-A-Buddy for…
Find out more »February 2020
Outhouse Races
Join us for the exciting Outhouse Races, taking place on February 15, 2020 at 3pm in Sapphire. Crazy? Maybe. Dangerous? Perhaps. Fun? Without a doubt! You won't find Outhouse Races on Snow anywhere else in North Carolina! Dozens of outhouses race to compete for the throne. Spectators come from throughout the southeast to line the course and cheer on those brave enough to see if the outhouse crashes and burns or sails across the finish line. The Outhouse Races have been…
Find out more »July 2020
Fireworks on Lake Glenville “Majesty Over Water!”
Presented by the Friends of Lake Glenville This event is in celebration of our nation’s birthday on the 4th of July week. This tradition started more than a decade ago, when Stuart Hall and friends produced a remarkable show, with a very small budget, from a barge near Buck Knob Island. The show will again be based at The Point at Glenville Lake subdivision across the lake from Hattler Realty on Highway 107 N. There is always a large audience on boats…
Find out more »Downtown Sylva Fourth of July Fireworks
The sixth annual July 4 Fireworks in Sylva will be held on Saturday, July 4, 2020. The fireworks should begin at dark (generally around 9:45 p.m.) and are visible from various locations throughout downtown Sylva and the immediate surrounding areas. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and restrictions on crowd gatherings set in place by our Governor, there will not be a concert, food trucks or children's activities at the Bridge Park this year. There will be no formal program, gathering…
Find out more »Tim Hill Memorial Trout Tournament
Cherokee remembers their very own Tim Hill, a longtime beloved employee of the trout hatchery, by hosting a trout tournament in his name. Competitors will be fishing for their share of $10,000 by reeling in tagged fish specially stocked for this event. Prize money ranges from $25 to $5,000. Cherokee invites you to grab your gear and cast a competitive line in the pristine waters of the Qualla Boundary. Photo courtesy EBCI Destination Marketing
Find out more »Cashiers Plein Air Festival
Nationally acclaimed painters from throughout the country set up their easels to capture the beauty of the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau landscape and quaint mountain lifestyle. This type of outdoor location painting is known as en plein air, French for open air. The Cashiers Plein Air Festival is a biennial event held to raise funds to enhance The Village Green. During this week-long event, artists set up their easels in and around Cashiers to create original art depicting the area. These unique paintings are…
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Assault on Blackrock
Sylva, NC’s extreme trail race The tenth annual Assault on BlackRock trail race has been set for Saturday, July 25, 2020. Register here. Trail running is extreme, and trail running in Sylva, North Carolina is no exception. How does running a seven-mile mountain trail race with 2,770 feet of elevation gain sound? Trail runners who compete in the Assault on BlackRock trail race will summit BlackRock at 5,810 feet- and that’s just the halfway point of the race. The trail…
Find out more »August 2020
The Great Balsam Bike Relay
The third annual Great Balsam Bike Relay will be held in Jackson County, North Carolina on August 8, 2020. The race is unique, combining the disciplines of road biking and mountain biking. Teams of four racers will travel over dirt trails, gravel, and asphalt over the course of the race. The race route is kept a secret until check in the day before. The race brings riders from several states to experience the extreme mountain adventure known as the Balsam…
Find out more »Cashiers Designer Showhouse – Virtual Event
Interior designers representing the Southeastern region will not only bring trending design to Cashiers but will again create the magic that is the Cashiers Designer Showhouse. Leading area landscapers are involved in redefining the areas surrounding the home and in turn creating serene and evocative late summer mountain gardens for showhouse strolling. Throughout the week, Showhouse attendees will admire the work of the talented designers; enjoy a variety of workshops, book signings, and panel discussions from beloved creatives across the…
Find out more »September 2020
The Qualla Country Trout Tournament
The Qualla Country Trout Tournament brings the best of fishing and some friendly competition for all anglers. This tournament gives contestants opportunities to bring home the biggest trout along with the biggest purse. Entry is $11 with a prize total of $20,000 with tagged fish ranging from $25-$5,000. The event will be located on the beautiful rivers of the Qualla Boundary (only excluding 2.2 miles of catch-and-release waters) and registration can be completed anywhere fishing permits are sold in Cherokee,…
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